CVE-2023-43572 in Desktop BIOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2023
A buffer over-read was reported in the BiosExtensionLoader module in some Lenovo Desktop products that may allow a local attacker with elevated privileges to disclose sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43572 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the BiosExtensionLoader module of specific Lenovo desktop computing systems. This issue manifests as a memory safety defect that occurs during the processing of input data within the system's firmware layer, creating potential pathways for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically affects certain Lenovo desktop product lines and requires local access with elevated privileges to exploit effectively, making it a sophisticated attack vector that targets the foundational firmware components of these systems.
The technical implementation of this buffer over-read vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the BiosExtensionLoader module's memory handling routines. When processing certain input parameters or data structures, the module fails to validate the size of incoming buffers before performing read operations, allowing memory access beyond allocated boundaries. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. The vulnerability's nature suggests that the firmware code does not adequately validate input parameters or maintain proper memory management boundaries during data processing operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system security and data integrity within affected Lenovo desktop environments. A local attacker with elevated privileges could potentially exploit this flaw to extract sensitive information from system memory, including potentially confidential firmware data, system configuration details, or other privileged information. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as such vulnerabilities often serve as stepping stones for more sophisticated attacks, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised systems. The requirement for local elevated access reduces the attack surface compared to remotely exploitable vulnerabilities but still represents a serious concern for organizations relying on these affected desktop systems.
The exploitation of CVE-2023-43572 aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Credential Access and Defense Evasion, particularly through techniques involving privilege escalation and information gathering. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to address this vulnerability promptly, as firmware updates typically require specific procedures and may impact system availability during deployment. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer over-read within firmware components places it in the broader context of firmware security concerns that have become increasingly prominent in recent cybersecurity discussions, particularly as attack surfaces expand beyond traditional operating system boundaries into hardware and firmware layers. Security teams should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected Lenovo desktop models and implement appropriate monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts.